Woodbridge, Va. — Transit officials in Prince William County are bracing for the impacts of a possible bus operator strike.
The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission located in Woodbridge said Wednesday that its contracted operator, First Transit, Inc., is negotiations with unions that represent its bus operators, and stated a current contract is set to expire at midnight Friday.
PRTC, which operates OmniLink and OmniRide bus services in Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park, didn’t note what operators are seeking in their new contract.
With a strike looming as early as Saturday, the transit agency did release details of three possible scenarios the agency will use in an attempt maintain service in the event of a strike.
Scenario 1
All bus services operate regular service using PRTC buses, but OmniLink off-route trips may be suspended. This option could require using bus operators from other transit providers to supplement existing personnel. Operators will have turn-by-turn instructions, but we ask passengers to please offer directional assistance if required. Regular fares will be charged on all buses.
Scenario 2
OmniLink and Cross County Connector local buses operate regular service using PRTC buses and existing personnel, but OmniLink off-route trips may be suspended. Regular fares will be charged on local buses.
OmniRide and Metro Direct buses operate regular service using PRTC buses and existing personnel, supplemented as necessary by buses and bus operators from other transportation providers. Since some non-PRTC buses will be used, riders should look for signs in the windshields of other buses. Operators will have turn-by-turn instructions, but we ask passengers to please offer directional assistance if required. Fares will be free for OmniRide and Metro Direct passengers.
Scenario 3
OmniLink and Cross County Connector local buses operate regular service using PRTC buses and existing personnel, but OmniLink off-route trips may be suspended. Regular fares will be charged on local buses.
OmniRide and Metro Direct buses operate on the Emergency Service Plan (ESP), with service only to/from the Franconia-Springfield and West Falls Church Metro stations. Buses and bus operators from other transportation providers may be used to supplement existing personnel. Since some non-PRTC buses may be used, riders should look for signs in the windshields of other buses. Operators will have turn-by-turn instructions, but we ask passengers to please offer directional assistance if required. Fares will be free for OmniRide and Metro Direct passengers.
Transit officials said they will use several methods of updating riders if drivers decide to strike, including posting information about any service changes on their website. PRTC and First Transit, Inc. gave apologies in advance if a driver strike impacts passengers in the coming days.
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